AI voice cloning scams are flying around and getting creepier by the day. Unlike scam texts you can spot and shut down with our Screencap and Send trick, voice cloning frauds are still in their experimental (and dangerous) phase where they’re still being created by people who are as creative as they are evil.
This tech powers the chilling “grandparent scams”: a scammer uses AI to mimic a loved one’s voice — “Grandma, it’s me, I’m in trouble!” — to trick victims into sending money or gift cards. These scams feed on trust and panic, two very human instincts. Of course you’d recognize your child’s voice. Of course you’d rush to help. But that’s exactly the weak spot these vampires sink their teeth into.
It sounds absurd until you realize how real it feels. I personally know three people who’ve fallen for these. They’re that convincing.
Here’s the hard truth: If a message comes through technology — phone, computer, TV, loudspeaker, Alexa, anything — it can be faked. AI makes it trivially easy to imitate anyone. Instinct alone isn’t protection anymore.
Luckily, you’ve got us, and we have some ideas beyond garlic, holy water, and Mr. Pointy. Here’s how you can keep your voice, and your wallet, safe from scammers.
Delete your custom voicemail greeting
It only takes three seconds of audio for AI to clone your voice. Your voicemail greeting is free training data for a scammer. Switch to the default system greeting so there’s nothing personal to steal.
Your phone number is already circulating in countless data broker lists. Don’t give the vampires a voice sample to go with it.
Unknown number? Don’t be polite — be paranoid
If you’re a fellow Gen X’er, you already ignore calls from unknown numbers (solid life choice). But if you do pick up, remember the three-second rule: Let them speak first. Don’t respond with “Yes?” — that snippet can be recorded and reused.
If it’s legit, they’ll leave a voicemail. You can always look up the number and call back through a verified source. Otherwise, consider it garlic-worthy spam.
Create a family “password”
Just like “open sesame,” this one’s ancient magic. Establish a secret word or phrase, something unique, that only your family would know or use. If anyone claims to be your partner or child in distress, ask for the word. No word, no help.
It’s basically two-factor authentication for humans. (See it in action in this scene from The Expanse. And yes, we’re big fans at the ’Tea.)
Make sure grandparents and anyone else likely to get a call know it too. And remind them: never share it outside the circle.
Final stakes
AI voice scams are evolving fast. The best defense isn’t silver bullets or holy water — it’s awareness, skepticism, and a little old-fashioned planning. Keep your voicemails neutral, your curiosity skeptical, and your loved ones in the loop.
Because in a world full of digital vampires, the goal isn’t to be fearless.
It’s to be unbitten.
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